Thanks to its proximity to the holy land of Badrinath, Mana Village (the last village on the border with Tibet and 3 kms from Badrinath) not only abounds in natural beauty (as seen in last post) but also has many spiritual tales to share.

Mana Village... it gets its name after the Manas Putras (Sons),the biological sons, of Lord Brahma.

History envelops you as you walk through its narrow lanes with traces of ancient tales from the epic Mahabharata spread all around. There is so much of antiquity hidden behind their walls that a fascinating tour of these places actually gives you the feeling of reading a live book!

A Board displaying the various touristy attractions of Mana

Saraswati River

The Saraswati river also known as the Goddess of Knowledge has its origination in a mountain near the Mana Village. It is visible and above surface for about 100 mtrs before it submerges underground and travels a distance to finally join the confluence of Rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at Sangam near Allahabad. Numerous sages like Narad, Bhrigu, Vashishta, Vishvamitra, Angira, Bhrigu, King Sagar, Lord Krishna, the Pandava brothers and several others have meditated and attained salvation on the banks of this holy river.

The milky white waters of the Saraswati River

I had always thought of Sarawati River to be hidden and was unaware that one can actually see it here, at Mana. The bubbly frosty waters of the river were raging down with a tremendous force which my camera couldn’t capture! But believe me, the roaring gush sound coupled with the heavenly sight made for a very stunning spectacle!

Saraswati Temple and India's last shop besides the Saraswati River

Facing the river, stands a small Saraswati temple and India’s last shop can be spotted too!

Bhim Pul

Above the Saraswati river is the Bhim Pul, another major attraction of the town. It is a natural bridge built from a huge rock by the Pandava brother Bhima for his wife Draupadi. Lying in the interial corners of the town, it is believed that this was the place from where the Pandava brothers started their 'accent to heaven' (swargarohini). During their transit, Draupadi was unable to cross the river and hence Bhima lifted a huge rock and placed it here which today is known as the Bhim Pul.

Bhim Pul made of a large rock above the Saraswati river

Had never seen a natural rock bridge before! The waters, the rock bridge… everything just completed the entire beautiful picture! One wasn’t allowed going on that bridge since water was in full spate but even from far it looked very interesting and a bit frightening as well!

Ganesh Gufa

A short distance away is Shree Ganesh Gufa where the epic Mahabharta and other ‘Purans’ are said to have been composed by Lord Ganesh.

Shree Ganesh Gufa

The exteriors of the temple have been modified and hence look like a normal pillared temple. Its while circumambulation, that you can get a feel of the cave.

Vyas Gufa

A steep climb up is the Vyas gufa where Ved Vyas is believed to have lived while composing thefour Vedas. It is also the place where he is said to have dictated the Mahabharta to Lord Ganesh. A distinct feature of the temple is the roof which resembles the pages from Ved Vyas collection of his Holy Books.

Ved Vyas Gufa

As it had gone completely dark by now,

I could not capture the pic and hence have taken one from Google.

(image courtesy Google images)

There is also a very interesting story related to the place that explains the broken tusk of Lord Ganesh. When Vyas was composing the Mahabharata, he needed someone to take down his diction and asked the learned Ganesha for the same. Ganesh agreed but he had a condition – That Vyas would not stop even for a moment or else he would stop writing and leave. And what ensued further was a mini competition between the two. Vyas dictating as fast as he could, and Ganesh bent down over the script pages... His pen racing furiously in the wind. Finally, His reed pen broke. To which, He broke off a part of his tusk to be used as a pen thereon.

Further 3 kms upward climb from Vyas Gufa is another cave called the Muchukand Gufa. It is associated with the story of Lord Krishna who had tactfully led to the demise of the demon Kaal Yawan here by Sage Muchukund. It is said that the footprints of Lord Krishna can still be seen in the cave. However, this place was missed by us.

There are numerous treks from this village to various temples of Pandavas. In addition, it is also the base to the Swargarohini pilgrimage trek, which passes through the Vasudhara falls.

Vasudhara Falls

A beautiful 4 kms trek from Mana towards the mountains is the stunning sight of the Vasudhara Falls, a 125 mtrs high waterfall associated with the Pandava brothers. We did not visit the place but Vishwanath briefed us a bit on the same.

Way to the Vasudhara Falls

...and the Swargarohini trek

He said that the sprinkles from the gushing down water-spray of the falls will never touch you if you are impure by heart… A person from a city, I couldn’t help letting out a wry smile. He asserted, It’s TRUE! Left me wondering, if there was anyone who ever gets soaked here…?

Further 1 km uphill from Vasudhara, on the route of the Swargarohini trek, is Keshav Prayag, the meeting point of the two sacred rivers Alaknanda (emerging from the Alkapuri glacier) and Saraswati.

65 comments:

interesting... seems u have visited a lot of historical places... also, the photos suggest that it was very cold out there.... its foggy...every passage in the article is interesting and the photographs r nice...

Another incredible tour, superb captures and fascinating history! Always a delight to find your latest post, Arti, and a wonderful way to start my day. Thank you for sharing the fascinating history of your country with us!! Have a wonderful week!

Amazing post, as usual! I too never knew one could actually see Saraswathy River. This is the first time i am seeing its milky ehite waters in picture. And the shop nearby is India's last shop...interesting tit bits:)

Thanks for posting these pictures. When I was there, my camera and passport were confiscated by the personnel in charge at the military post but was allowed to roam free. Scenes and feelings are edged deeply in my mind. We walked to those caves including Vasudhara falls. We got sprayed!The Gufa-s were still at its raw stage and not nicely built like these pictures you took. And that last shop didn't exist then.

Hi Arti ~ I am completely amazed how you manage to travel so many different n gorgeous places and also make time to show it to us through your eyes by way of your such beautiful detailed posts n picture! Kudos!US Masala

So interesting. So it is kind of like a waterfall? The Ved Vyas Gufa looks so different from the places you usually visit, almost like something American! Probably because of the red and white stripes!

I loved Bhim Pul ( so romantic in a way).And also the sign board that says Hindustaan ki aakhri dukan.It is like i am there .The thought of Lord Ganesha writing Mahabharat in that cave gave me goosebumps ,you are so lucky to have visited the place .Thanks for this picturesque journey Arti .Enjoyed it .Have a wonderful weekend .

Hi, ArtiWhat a mysterious river the Saraswati is! The bubbling river is more than beautiful, but just divine!! The story of the natural bridge is fascinating. Every time I read your blog I am amazed with your country’s long history filled with myths. Your photos are wonderful and spiritual.Have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for sharing. I remebered the word "Pul" means a bridge and "Gufa" means a cave. I am overwhelmed with the fact that Hindi is becoming so distant. I need to have some Urdu/ Hindi speaking friends:) this is Munir over here at Focus. Greetings.

HI ArtiThanks for popping in my way.. and thanks for taking me on this little tour.. along the banks of the Saraswati river.. I must go back to your post on Diwali.. [the festival of lights yes?].. I had work friends who celebrated each year with us in the office.. it was great to experience the food and culture..

Wow Arti... you never fail to take your readers to a wonderful, even spiritual journey. This village for instance - what could be more serene? I loved this travel diary page and hope to make this visit sometime.

amazing.... i love the pictures too.... actually the ads from govt on tv featuring celebs don't make ppl visit these places... but reading such beautiful articles certainly encourages people to visit these amazing places...!!...

Another interesting place and another incredible story....WOW! Loved the tales behind each place.. so wonderful to know and see that the places were visited and inhabited by people from our Epics...The pics are beautiful as usual...I must say it was a Treat!

Thanks for posting this in so much detail. I was just browsing about the Bhimpul to show a friend of mine that i was not lying. These pictures bought back so many memories of the time spent at Badrinath and Mana Village. I visited the place in 2001. Thanks

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Hi there! I am Arti - often found on the road travelling with my best friend, inspiration and guide - my father. I love travelling to spiritual places and consider my external yatras as continuous learning journeys within; a journey where I seek to discover and experience the real treasures of this life someday. Besides helping my own self, this blog of mine also aims to help those planning to make a trip to these places or simply provide a virtual tour to the rest.
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